And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” (Isa. 6:3)
Travel helps us properly understand our insignificance. When our children were young, we made a point to take plenty of road trips—the arduous “See America” kind requiring hours upon hours of peering out car windows, stopping in unfamiliar places, and tackling new experiences. From Montana’s invigorating high plains to Oregon’s melancholy and striking coastline to Arizona’s colorful painted dessert, we were struck by the beauty and wonder of God’s creation. One happy consequence of all this sightseeing was that we came to understand, in practical and tangible ways, the vast landscape of middle America. More importantly, we were rightly humbled and awestruck by its overwhelming expansiveness that only softly hints of God’s glory.
In his vision, Isaiah was significantly and profoundly humbled by God’s glory, as he observed the seraphim praising God until the temple shook. The passage demonstrates two things: First, God is perfectly holy, so much so that the mention of his name and praises of his holiness shake foundations. Second, the whole earth is filled with God’s glory. God’s ubiquitous holiness is both powerful and pure.
Thus, our service begins with an acknowledgement of God’s holiness, and it begins with an understanding that God’s glory fills the earth. A humble acknowledgement of our insignificance in comparison to God’s greatness should undergird our trust in his ability to fulfill his purposes through our obedience.
Recognize and serve in God’s ubiquitous presence.
Dalene (Rovenstine) Fisher is a wife, mother, and grandma. She serves as assistant provost and dean of Arts and Sciences at Oklahoma Wesleyan University.
© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
